Once it's in the air, it's great fun. Even has that nice jet whoosh sound. If the landing gear are giving you fits, take 'em of and make it a hand-tosser. The reduction in weight is a side benefit. Glue the landing gear doors for a little less drag and some looks.

I've tried both fixed landing gear and metal retracts, I've had more problems with the former: weak wooden gear anchors, wobbly nosegear column, bend-prone mains. The metal retract gear are much more solid. Maybe consider a compromise - keep the fixed gear setup, but beef up the wooden mounts, cut the wheel portion of the gears, and secure the trailing link landing gear in their place.

Do tou have any pics of this, i would. E interested to see how you did it.

I am using the same mechanism I have in all my EDFs. An HXT900 servo on a pull-pull configuration using Walmart fishing line.
To address the ball link issue, I used thin copper wire to go around the area of the plastic that brakes and covered all that with epoxy. I hope that reinforces it and avoids any issues. So far I have around 15 flights with uneventful takes offs and landings - on one it even went over some grass before reaching full take off speed.

I haven`t read the full thread, what is exactly the problem you are having? I am thinking may be I was lucky with my kit?
E

+1
merlin
BTW
Is the set screw missing on the nose gear strut in front where it pivots in the slot? Mine was.

i was missing the one that keeps the whole thing from extending too far, it is causing that little triangle piece on the nose gear to "hyper-extend" and jam.

also the ones who have had problem with their ball linkages...i wrapped a small zip tie around the broken piece (for me it was the shaft side not the hole) then carefully dropped some CA on it...I wanted the zip tie to stay glued to the ball link but not the threaded piece and not the strut

****drrr moment****

I just found the piece that slides out to put the fan/motor in...I already took the time to cut the whole bottom half off along its glue lines though...D'OH!

It seems to me there are a bunch of QC issues with this Plane. The Ball links are trash but can be easily replaced with better parts or reinforced. The landing gear struts (in 2 cases) had grub screws missing and the mains sometimes stick in the extended position on one side.
I think ,since the majority of guys are flying without all the problems that it is sort of the luck of the draw. I drew a bad power setup. I kid you not when I say my Micro Corsair can beat it.
I hope once patriot gets his gear fixed he does not get the Motor/ESC Problem I have.
As far as flying the plane like Fred has said over and over is a good flying Plane.fast or slow.
Down the line I will re-motor it with something else.
Good luck on the Maiden.
MERLIN

i got two motors coming and two fans. I am gonna test all the combinations i can with a 4s 2200 25c battery. i think the battery may be a little small but i didn't really wanna drop more than 20 bucks if i move to 5 or 6 s with my set up. also have an 80 amp esc on the way, still need a ubec and a couple more servos.

also, one of my main gear was sticking in the compressed position...i took a drill bit that fit in the bigger side of "shock" and spun it and scrapped the sides by hand (not with a drill). then cleaned it out with 3in1 oil/lube...works fine now.

question...the shortest push rods that come with this...are they for the rudder if you choose to do that mod?

another question...anyone who did flaps...what weight would you say is the threshold for needing flaps on this plane?

It seems to me there are a bunch of QC issues with this Plane. The Ball links are trash but can be easily replaced with better parts or reinforced. The landing gear struts (in 2 cases) had grub screws missing and the mains sometimes stick in the extended position on one side.
I think ,since the majority of guys are flying without all the problems that it is sort of the luck of the draw. I drew a bad power setup. I kid you not when I say my Micro Corsair can beat it.
I hope once patriot gets his gear fixed he does not get the Motor/ESC Problem I have.
As far as flying the plane like Fred has said over and over is a good flying Plane.fast or slow.
Down the line I will re-motor it with something else.
Good luck on the Maiden.
MERLIN

He mentioned several pages back he is getting 770 watts with a 3300 40C pack, and his plane only slowflies.
I'm getting about 630 watts with a 2800 30C pack (had to review an old video recording of me testing it to remember) and mine rips even with missiles attached to the bottom (but no landing gear weight).

I'm not sure if 130 extra watts from the battery pack is in line, or pointing to friction in the motor/fan considering the reports of 300ft take off and slow flight. Bet the amps are high and the motor comes down hot.

One thing for sure Merlin is right, QA is really spotty with this kit (or simply not there at all). Luck of the draw.

Hi xfatdannx,
I did the flaps mods and they do really have an effect on the landing nose up attittude. As for weight threshold I don't know, I am using a heavy EDF (around 300g) plus around 400+g in battery and full ordinance and she is still easy to land withuot flaps.
E

Hi xfatdannx,
I did the flaps mods and they do really have an effect on the landing nose up attittude. As for weight threshold I don't know, I am using a heavy EDF (around 300g) plus around 400+g in battery and full ordinance and she is still easy to land withuot flaps.
E